SANTA MARIA, Calif.- Santa Maria Police thought they were pulling up to a burglary Tuesday, but it turned into an even bigger bust.
Handcuffed, searched and taken into custody. That was the case for four suspects who were found inside a home on the 500 block of Richard Street Tuesday morning. Police say it was the unusual call they got that led them to the arrests.
"It was a suspicious circumstances call and when we get those kind of calls we treat them as if it's a possible residential burglary in progress," said Sergeant Paul Van Meel, Santa Maria Police Department.
At about 8:00am, police got a call of a man breaking into the home, instead they determined the man knew the people inside. Police later found out two of the men were suspected gang members.
"I'm very surprised about that. We've always had neighbors living in that particular home. I wasn't aware that anyone other than family members were involved with the house," said Sandy Harder, a neighbor.
One of the suspected gang members is Ramon Maldonado, who is charged with probation violations and a warrant. The other is Alfred Plaza, who is being charged with a parole violation and a warrant. Neighbors say they never suspected gang members to be living on their street.
"After today I think I'll be a little more cautious," said Harder.
After police searched the home they found two other suspects, Tauyna Gaitan whose been arrested for a warrant, and Nancy Cerna, who police say was under the influence of a controlled substance.
"I'm not surprised, I mean there have been other busts on this street for narcotics and things," said Martin Morrisroe.
Although, now no one is in the home, neighbors say they just want the bad guys off their streets for good.
"I hoping some of these gang situations can be address so that the citizens of Santa Maria can really come together," said Harder.
All four suspects have been booked into Santa Barbara County Jail.
